Chapter 10

Question 1

when should capillary puncture be performed on the heel?

Answer 1

capillary puncture for younger infants/infants who weigh less should be completed on the heel

Question 2

capillary puncture for infants over _ months and weighing over __ kg can be completed by fingerstick

Answer 2

capillary puncture for infants over 6 months and weighing over 10 kg can be completed by fingerstick

Question 3

capillary puncture for adults should be completed by _______

Answer 3

fingerstick

Question 4

what are the appropriate fingers for capillary puncture fingerstick?

Answer 4

the 3rd and 4th fingers (middle and ring fingers)

Question 5

where on the finger should capillary puncture be performed?

Answer 5

one the very side of the tip of the finger

Question 6

what is edema?

Answer 6

swelling of the hands

Question 7

are patients with edema good candidates for capillary puncture?

Answer 7

NO

Question 8

what patients should you not perform capillary puncture on?

Answer 8

-Pt’s with edema or swelling of hands
-Pt’s who are cyanotic, aka with poor circulation
-Pt’s with bruising, rashes, broken skin, burns, or callouses.
-On the same side as a mastectomy

Question 9

where should you perform capillary puncture on heels?

Answer 9

on the very inside or outside of the heel

Question 10

should you warm the capillary puncture site before the procedure? for how long?

Answer 10

yes, warm the site for 3-5 minutes

Question 11

if a second puncture is necessary, should you use a new finger?

Answer 11

YES

Question 12

what should you do with the first drop of capillary blood?

Answer 12

wipe away the first drop of blood with a piece of gauze

Question 13

should you milk or squeeze the finger? what should you do instead?

Answer 13

NO, instead you can apply and release pressure on top of the finger to increase blood flow

Question 14

should you place adhesive bandages on infants?

Answer 14

no

Question 15

should you scrape the collection device on the patient’s skin?

Answer 15

NO

Question 16

When taking capillary blood for testing blood glucose/blood sugar levels, is there a concern for hemolysis? what does this mean you can do?

Answer 16

When taking capillary blood for testing blood glucose/blood sugar levels, there is NOT a concern for hemolysis. So, if you are measuring someone’s blood glucose levels, you can take capillary blood and puncture fingers even with bruising. Just do the 3rd or 4th fingers, or whatever finger the patient prefers.

Question 17

so can you perform capillary puncture on bruised fingers when collecting blood for blood glucose tests?

Answer 17

YES

Question 18

but can you perform capillary puncture on bruised fingers if you are not collecting blood glucose test levels?

Answer 18

NO